• Medicaid fraud wastes $14 billion, costing taxpayers and blocking care for eligible patients. Interestingly, Dr. Oz exposes this significant misuse of funds in the system.
• Lack of work requirements and uneven state incentives keep able-bodied adults on Medicaid.
• Hospitals receive higher payments for some Medicaid patients than Medicare, disrupting fairness. Dr. Oz exposes how this affects the system’s balance.

Dr. Mehmet Oz says taxpayers lose about $14 billion because of fraud in Medicaid. This fraud happens when people enroll wrongly in multiple states. For example, someone might live in New Jersey but also register in Pennsylvania. Both states then claim federal funds for the same person. This creates duplicate payments that waste taxpayer money. Meanwhile, many patients who truly need care struggle to get it. This misuse steals resources from vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, who depend on Medicaid for basic health services. Dr. Oz exposes the harsh reality behind these figures.

Medicaid Must Serve the People It Was Created For

Dr. Oz leads the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He urges a major cleanup of Medicaid. The program should help those at life’s most critical moments. These include people at the start or end of life, those living in tough conditions, and those with disabilities. Right now, fraud and abuse disrupt the system. They deny many eligible patients the care they deserve. Oz warns that until the system stops letting dishonest practices thrive, many Americans will continue to lose out on essential healthcare.

Republicans Push to End Waste and Protect Healthcare Benefits

Republicans in Congress call for stopping waste and fraud in Medicaid and other medical programs. They argue this will save money and improve the system. At the same time, some critics worry the changes might cut care for people who need it most. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, says Republicans want to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. He promises no cuts to benefits for eligible recipients. Still, Johnson stresses the need to remove people from Medicaid who do not qualify. He highlights the Dr. Oz exposes on the fraudulent challenges faced by taxpayers and recipients.

Removing Ineligible Adults from Medicaid Protects the Program

Johnson points out that many adults on Medicaid should not be there. He mentions able-bodied workers and young men who can support themselves. These people often enroll without needing help. Removing them will reduce costs and keep Medicaid focused on people who depend on it for survival. This approach targets abuse and stops people from taking advantage of the system. It also ensures taxpayers’ money helps those truly in need.

Medicaid Lacks a Federal Work Requirement Unlike Other Programs

Dr. Oz highlights another problem. Medicaid does not have a federal work requirement. Programs like food stamps, also known as SNAP, require recipients to work or try to find work. Oz says this rule encourages people to stay active and contribute to the economy. He clarifies that the work requirement does not mean a person must have a job. Instead, it means they should try to find one. This helps the individual and the country because jobs currently outnumber workers.

Work Requirements Can Boost Personal Responsibility and National Economy

Oz believes that introducing work requirements for Medicaid would improve lives. It motivates people to get back to work or find jobs. This requirement reduces dependency on government help. It also supports families and communities by promoting self-sufficiency. Oz calls the lack of this rule a “moral hazard.” Without it, some people stay on Medicaid without trying to improve their situation. Adding work requirements would make the system fairer and more sustainable.

States Have Different Incentives That Affect Medicaid Enrollment

Oz explains that states do not always help stop Medicaid fraud. The federal government covers different shares of Medicaid costs depending on the state. Some states get up to 90% coverage, while others get only 50% or 60%. This creates an incentive for states to keep as many people as possible enrolled. By keeping more able-bodied adults on Medicaid, states attract more federal funds. This system encourages states to prioritize money over helping people find jobs and gain independence.

Hospitals Get Paid More for Able-Bodied Medicaid Patients Than Medicare

Oz points out another flaw in the system. In some states, hospitals receive higher payments for treating able-bodied Medicaid patients than for Medicare patients. Medicare patients usually include retirees who worked all their lives and paid into the program. However, hospitals get less money for their care. This situation sends the wrong message. It rewards people who never worked more than those who contributed. Oz says this payment structure disrupts the system’s fairness and efficiency.

Fixing Medicaid Fraud Helps Patients and Taxpayers Alike

Fixing Medicaid fraud and abuse will help the program serve its true purpose. It will save billions in taxpayer dollars. More importantly, it will improve care for people who really need it. Dr. Oz stresses the need to make Medicaid fair and efficient. This means stopping fraud, adding work requirements, and changing state incentives. Dr. Oz exposes the inefficiencies, explaining how these steps will protect vulnerable Americans and create a healthier, more sustainable Medicaid system.